Obituary: Donald J. Ritschard Sr.

Aug. 6, 1931 - Jan. 15, 2009

Aug. 6, 1931 - Jan. 15, 2009

January 17, 2009

SOUTH BEND - Donald Jack Ritschard Sr., 77, passed away on Thursday January 15, 2009, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend. He was born on August 6, 1931, in South Bend, to the late Remedios (Ojanguren) and Fred Ritschard Sr. On October 21, 1955 in New Carlisle, IN, Don married the love of his life, Peggy Roush who survives. Don is also survived by three daughters, Chelle (Norbert) Dolniak of Mishawaka, IN, Renee (Steve) Moore and Rhonda (Robbie) Lang, both of Naples, FL; a son, Donald (Laurie) Ritschard Jr. of South Bend; six grandchildren, Kimber (Jack) Stone, Monique Moore, Elijah Moore, Nicole (Casey) Katlun, Chelsea Nemeth and Michaela Ritschard; two brothers, Carmelo and Fred Ritschard Jr., both of South Bend; a sister, Dolores "Dolly" (Emery "Jim") Fischer also of South Bend and many nieces and nephews. Don and his brother, Carmelo were long time owners of Ritschard Bros. Inc. excavating and demolition having retired on May 31, 1996. He was a member of St. Joseph Masonic Lodge #45, South Bend and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend. He also was a member of Bowlers Country Club in South Bend where he scored a hole in one on May 28, 2003, and was a member of the Goodland (Florida) Civic Association. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and playing euchre, pepper and other cared games. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and also enjoyed his grandchildren's activities. Don and Peggy spent winters in Goodland, FL, for over 50 years, where they enjoyed boating, beaches and their children and grandchildren, who reside in Naples, FL. They were fortunate to be able to spend their summers in Indiana and winters in Florida. Don was a loving, caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will greatly missed by all of those who lives he touched. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Memorial Hospital Oncology floor for their kindness during this difficult time. Funeral services for Don will be at 11 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2009, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, where friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Rev. Don Francis will conduct the funeral service on Monday and a Masonic Memorial service will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Weather permitting, burial will follow services at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, South Bend. The family request that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society (for prostate research), 601 West Edison, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at welshfh@yahoo.com.